Kato Big Boy decoder install (peteski's version)

[HarryC]

Hi Tjack757.
Next week I will be doing a test on what I think my decoder installation will be.
On my mind the test will be made on one of the power trucks where I will temporary install a wire decoder picking power from its blackened split-frame (rails) and decoder output feeding the motor directly.
I do not exactly when but I will let know test result shortly.
Regards,
HarryC

[peteski]

Hi Tjack757.
Next week I will be doing a test on what I think my decoder installation will be.
On my mind the test will be made on one of the power trucks where I will temporary install a wire decoder picking power from its blackened split-frame (rails) and decoder output feeding the motor directly.
I do not exactly when but I will let know test result shortly.
Regards,
HarryC

While I don't see why electrically that wouldn't work, but where will you find enough clearance for the decoder? Each engine is basically a self contained 0-8-0 locomotive (ignoring the leading and trailing trucks).  Even if you do find a space for the decoder, you will need 2 decoders (one per engine) and no sound.  I guess if that is what you're after, then it will do.

[HarryC]

I wanted to give a short reply to Tjack757.
My test will be using one truck only over the track, with the decoder hanging loose. If this works -which I suppose it will-, I will use a single decoder to power both motors(trucks) installed in the tender. Otherwise, I'll leave my Big Boy in standard DC. But final installation in my project will be a long store yet.
Regards, HarryC

[Tjack757]

I decided to put on my big boy pants and start the disassemble process.
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[HarryC]

My test installation just done (...and noticed that red / black pick up wires are reversed).

[Dwight in Toronto]

Peter - this may well be ‘dumb question’ time, but it’s related to the Big Boy 2-motor/2-decoder situation. 

Let’s say that each Big Boy motor gets equipped with an ESU LS5 micro or nano.  With the loco on a programming track, and having selected a suitable sound project, will LokProgrammer download the desired file to both decoders simultaneously?

[peteski]

Peter - this may well be ‘dumb question’ time, but it’s related to the Big Boy 2-motor/2-decoder situation. 

Let’s say that each Big Boy motor gets equipped with an ESU LS5 micro or nano.  With the loco on a programming track, and having selected a suitable sound project, will LokProgrammer download the desired file to both decoders simultaneously?

While using standard DCC command station (not on the LokProgrammer) to write simple CVs on the programming track can be done with multiple locomotives, I would not recommend downloading the entire sound project to 2 decoders at once.  ESU uses a propriatary protocol for the high speed downloads, and I highly doubt it will work well with multiple decoders together.

I'm also not planning on using multiple decoders on that loco. As others mentioned, Kato H0 scale P42 loco has 2 coreless motors (one per powered truck) and they work well connected to a single decoder.